Days at home with my toddler could get really out of hand if I let them but we have implemented a “flex-schedule” to allow us to optimize our days. Here is a snippet of our day to day that may help you create your own optimized schedule:
As of this post, my daughter is only 14 months old and I have just recently started this new routine now that I am at home full time. That being said, the routine may change in the next year as she grows and we work out any kinks in the current schedule that I am not aware of. Also, I have some items listed in the age appropriate chores and activities that are more geared towards a 2 year old but, as any parent knows, that time will be here before I know it so I am just getting prepared!
One of the biggest concerns I had when we decided I would stay home was the need for social encounters of the adult kind! I knew that being home with my daughter and two fur babies all day could mean some serious lack of mental stimulation for me but I am determined to counter that with a healthy fitness routine and various public outings throughout the week. Some days, that may just mean getting to Target or the grocery store for errands but that is fine by me.
Adding my daily run into the routine was important for me as that is the one constant workout I have been able to incorporate while at home with my daughter. Since we invested in a good jogging stroller (we use the BOB Allterrain Jogging Stroller), I have been able to get out on runs with my daughter in tow and not worry about trying to fit a workout into her nap times or early in the morning. Although, the days I can add a workout in are bonuses! I also bought a rain cover so I can get out in any weather, we’ve ran in the rain, snow, and wind! The wind is another story though, that can be pretty tough no matter what you have prepared for. My daughter also enjoys our daily runs and will even nap on occasion while we are out. If you start them out on daily walks when they are young enough, they should be ok in the stroller as they get older. Trust me, my daughter does not like being contained, but as soon as the stroller starts to move, she is content.
Bundled up and happy 
Rain or Shine
Reading daily and incorporating learning opportunities was something else super important to me as I created our schedule. My goal is to read at least one book a day to our daughter and I could easily find myself missing this opportunity if I chose to omit structured activity times. As shown above, I have listed specific activities on our schedule so I can reference it when I am unsure of what educational or fun opportunity to select that day.
Hopefully this is a good starting point for you to create a “flex- schedule” with your toddler. Remember, kids are unpredictable and your perfectly laid out plans may not be what they have in mind so “go with the flow” and be sure to bend a little so you don’t “snap”!
Whole Health Momma 